Chronostratigraphic modeling and mapping system and method

ABSTRACT

A chronostratigraphic database comprising a plurality of discrete data points, wherein each data point comprises an x, y, z and T value, wherein x, y, and z are Cartesian coordinates describing a position and T is a geologic time event relative to said position; a method to produce a chronostratigraphic database and to utilize the database; and a modeling system wherein the database includes data formatted and arranged for use with a computer-implemented method or web-based method for controlling serving of an advertisement or public service message using its relevancy to a request.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 13/402,747, filedFeb. 22, 2012, which claims priority to and the benefit of provisionalapplication U.S. 61/445,141, filed Feb. 22, 2011, all of which arehereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

The statements in this section merely provide background informationrelated to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

The instant disclosure generally relates to geological modeling andmapping.

Typically, geological information collected from Earth's subsurface isidentified by its spatial location, specifically geographic (x, y)coordinates, i.e., longitude and latitude, and elevation or depth (z),usually relative to mean sea level. This allows subsurface data types tobe categorized, utilized and marketed based on these identifiers.

A geologic basin may be comprised of hundreds of rock layers or strata(formations) deposited over geologic time. Thus, a characteristicattribute of a stratum is the age of deposition (T), which in a sensecould be considered as a fourth dimension. A geologic time scale hasbeen created to subdivide Earth's history into eras and periods based onthe absolute age of rocks, fossils and sediments using radiometricdating, paleontology and other methods. Chronostratigraphy is then usedto identify the age of rock strata in relation to time and relying onabsolute age. Lithostratigraphy involves the correlating of key rocksequences to map continuous geologic formations within a particulararea, such as a portion of a particular basin.

A method to obtain digital spatial data and a stratigraphic correlationor framework from well logs in a particular area or basin is describedin U.S. Pat. No. 7,054,753, which is fully incorporated by referenceherein.

When attempting to understand a single formation or a short geographicdistance, e.g., within a common basin, lithostratigraphy may matchchronostratigraphy fairly well. However, changes in the strata fromother geologic forces, or the arrangement of the various strata layersover relatively large geographic distances cannot readily be accountedfor using lithostratigraphic correlation. Chronostratigraphiccorrelation becomes very difficult, if not impossible in view of thelimited lithostratigraphic data that are available, which are, at best,limited, disjointed and mainly comprised of numerous forms of analogdata presented as well logs recorded over the past century. What isneeded therefore is an overall chronostratigraphic framework withinwhich geologic data can be inserted and categorized along with a timeevent such that the data may be queried and organized based on the ageas well as spatial coordinates.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, a chronostratigraphic modeling system comprises adatabase comprising a plurality of discrete surface and/or subsurfacedata points comprising spatial coordinates (x, y, z) and one or moreattributes associated therewith, including a set of age-tagged datapoints wherein the one or more attributes comprises an age correlation(T) associated with the respective data point, wherein the database issearchable by age and spatial coordinates.

In another aspect, a chronostratigraphic modeling method, comprisessearching a searchable database comprising a plurality of discretesubsurface data points comprising spatial coordinates (x, y, z) and oneor more attributes associated therewith, including a set of age-taggeddata points wherein the one or more attributes comprises an agecorrelation (T) associated with the respective data point, anddisplaying the selected data points in an isochron selected from points,lines, surfaces, volumes and combinations thereof.

In still another aspect, a method to produce a chronostratigraphicdatabase comprises:

a) scanning a plurality of well logs to create raster images;

b) digitizing the raster images to create digitized well log data;

c) normalizing the digitized well log data to a consistent scale;

d) scaling the normalized digitized well log data to emphasize themarkers across multiple well logs;

e) correlating the normalized digitized well log data to identifygeologic markers in each depositional stratum; and correlating datapoints within a depositional stratum with the geologic age of thestratum.

In an embodiment, the database includes data formatted and arranged foruse with a computer-implemented method for controlling serving of anadvertisement or public service message using its relevancy to arequest.

In an embodiment, the database includes data formatted and arranged foruse with a computer-implemented method, implemented in at least onecomputing device, of dynamically changing the messaging in anadvertisement or public service message served as an image in a web pageutilizing information from a search request made by a user.

In an embodiment, the database according to the instant disclosure maybe utilized for locating oil and gas drilling prospects utilizing anunprecedented quantity of digital well log data, well productionhistories, well test data, and any other relevant digital well data. Inan embodiment, the method according to the instant disclosure iscomprised of obtaining, then digitizing on a computer or other suitabledigitizing apparatus, log data from a plurality of wells drilled in adesired geologic basin; then normalizing the log data from each wellusing a standardized scale; correlating each digitized well log tocreate a stratigraphic framework for the entire basin; correlating thediscrete subsurface data points with one or more attributes including anage of the strata to create a chronostratigraphic framework for the oneor more basins and, identifying the observable depositional features andfacies for each interval in each well. The database or method accordingto the instant disclosure also encompasses visually displaying aplurality of individual well logs to reveal consistent depositionalcharacteristics of a cross-sectional area.

By displaying more data simultaneously this database or method accordingto the instant disclosure can enable the facies changes resulting inreservoir rock to be seen and geologic time events to be correlatedbasin wide, or over a plurality of basins which may include an entirecontinent or the entire surface of the globe. The stratigraphicframework described herein can be comprised of the interpretedintersections between key strata and well bores and stored in a databaseor other data correlation system that facilitates the management andcorrelation of the vast amounts of data to be used in the currentdatabase or method according to the instant disclosure. Thechronostratigraphic framework created allows data in the digitaldatabase to be queried by a single formation, a single formation age, arange of ages, or contiguous group of formations based on propertiesand/or age thereby providing a method for discerning the geographicaldistribution of existing and potential reservoir rock in a basin.

Once well logs are digitized, the recorded logs are normalized to aconsistent standard so that the amount of effective reservoir rock foreach stratum can be accurately calculated. The calculated quantity ofreservoir rock is mapped to reveal the geographical distribution andnature of the depositional features present during that particulargeologic interval of time. The type and shape of these features allowfor a much more accurate projection of reservoir rock into undrilledareas of the basin, thereby creating drilling prospects.

In an embodiment, a method for locating oil and gas drilling prospectscan include normalizing existing digitized well log data. The normalizeddigital well log data can be correlated to create a chronostratigraphicframework for an entire basin, a plurality of basins, or some partthereof, or across basins. The normalization can be performed manuallyor by an automated computer process. The database or method according tothe instant disclosure can display a plurality of individual well logstogether to reveal consistent depositional characteristics of strata inthe entire basin or basins, or some part thereof. The plurality ofindividual well logs can be displayed to reveal consistent depositionalcharacteristics of a cross-sectional area. Because the database ormethod according to the instant disclosure uses normalized digital welllog data for most of its analysis, the oil and gas knowledge worker canamplify or demodulate the data to reveal additional geologic featuresand information that would not have been otherwise possible.

If an oil and gas knowledge worker does not already have access tosufficient digital well log data, the oil and gas knowledge worker canoptionally inventory the existing digital well log data and determinethe most efficient set of data for digitization. The oil and gasknowledge worker can use the claimed inventive method to optionallydigitize well log data to create additional digital well log data fornormalizing and correlating.

In another embodiment, an alternate method for locating oil and gasdrilling prospects is described. This embodiment comprises optionallyselecting well logs to be scanned based on areas of commercial interestin a basin. The optionally selected well logs or all reasonablyavailable and necessary well logs can be scanned to create rasterimages. The raster images can be saved as tagged image file format(TIFF) files. The raster images can be digitized to create digital welllog data. The digital well log data can be normalized to a common scale.The normalized digitized well log data can be correlated to explicitlyidentify key hang markers in each depositional stratum. The correlationcan be performed manually, via an automated computer process, or acombination thereof. The normalized digital well log data can be scaledto emphasize explicit hang markers across multiple well logs. Each ofthe data points within a depositional stratum may then be correlatedwith the geologic age of the stratum.

Formation tops can be extracted to create a visual display of anisochronous formation surface. If alternate depictions of the availabledata are desired, the oil and gas knowledge worker can optionallyamplify or demodulate the normalized digital well log data to showadditional geological information and features.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that arefurther described below in the detailed description. This summary is notintended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope ofthe claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic flow diagram of an embodiment of the methoddescribed herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side by side arrangement of normalized well logdata according to the instant disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a visual display of an isometric view of a 4dimensional model of a basin produced according to an embodiment of theinstant disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the development of any of the embodiments herein, numerousimplementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve thedeveloper's specific goals, such as compliance with system related andbusiness related constraints, which will vary from one implementation toanother. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effortmight be complex and time consuming but would nevertheless be a routineundertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure.

As used in the specification and claims, “near” is inclusive of “at.”

Surface and subsurface data are used in the exploration of mineraldeposits, mining, water exploration, and the like. For example, theutility of existing data for the exploration of oil and gas is wellknown in the industry. Large amounts of existing well logs andproduction reports are filed with regulatory agencies in each oil andgas producing state which may be surveyed or “mined” to obtainhistorical information useful for additional drilling in existing fieldsand in adjacent geographic areas. Some of the external data needed tocommence the process of building the basin-wide or multibasin map may befound in paper copies or raster images of existing well-logs availableboth from public and private sources, existing digital well logs whichnormally must be purchased, the location of wells located on detailedgeographic maps or public or private databases, scout information aboutexisting well activity available both from public and private sources,production information which may be obtained from both private andpublic sources and other cartographic information showing boundaries,county lines and similar information. A process to produce the X, Y, Zdata provided in the chronostratigraphic database described herein isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,054,753, which is fully incorporated byreference herein.

The digital log data creation process is the starting point for allanalysis. The well logs, which are typically paper “hard copies” arescanned by conventional means well known to those in the industry, suchas the NEURALOG™ scanner by way of example only. Any other suitablescanner known in the industry will work equally as well. The scanningprocess begins with a list of wells to be scanned created from scoutdata sorted by standard field definition categories that may vary fromstate-to-state or governmental authority over the territory of the wellsof interest. This list of wells is typically compiled by determiningwhich specific well logs will provide the most information about thegiven basins such that every well log for a given basin(s) may not needto be scanned to provide an accurate representation of the basins. Thescanning process outputs digital image files called raster images. Theraster images are typically in tagged image file format (TIFF). Whilethis embodiment uses TIFF images by means of example, any digital imagefile format can be suitable depending on the scanning apparatus,software, and/or method utilized. The scanned TIFF files are indexed,typically with an API number (supplemented with an appended character todescribe multiple images). The API number is merely a standardizednumber for the given oil or gas well. These scanned images are thenarchived in a database to permit their ready recall for subsequent use.

Although the well logs have been converted to a digital file format, thewell logs still have not been digitized as the term is used in theinstant disclosure. The scanned logs are next loaded using appropriatesoftware such as the commercially available software available under thetrade designation FINDER or a similar program using a conventionalutility program typically named ld_lg_load. While FINDER is disclosed asbeing used in this embodiment, any similar software can work equally aswell. To accomplish this action, wells are then selected based upongeologic and geographic criteria using appropriate log suites andintervals. The selected well log raster images are loaded usingappropriate software such as the commercially available softwareavailable under the trade designation DIDGER. The digitizing processconsists of tracing the digital image file and traced for the entiredepth of the log to determine the location of each data point on theplot and generating a table of data that represents the plot in digitalform. Output from this process is generally called LAS. This allows theoil and gas knowledge worker to easily manipulate the data.

Once each set of wells (or the designated curve of each well) is tracedthe digitized image is then ready to be calibrated. After loading thedigitized well log into DIDGER, a standard calibration process can beused to provide a standardized depth or Z value range for the well logdata measure that was digitized. For example, the calibration processtypically can include calibrating the gamma ray or other measured curvevalues at each major increment such as every 100 feet of depth. Thiscalibration action also permits the operator to inspect the well log todetermine if errors have been incorporated into the log from thedigitizing process and if necessary, to correct the errors. Thecalibrated curve can be exported to a Golden Software Boundary (GSB)formatted file or other similar file type and DIDGER can be used toresample the log at 0.5-foot intervals. Resampling or interpolating asused herein describes the process of converting data that may have beencollected at non-constant intervals to a set of data representing thesame physical phenomenon but at constant intervals. Resampling is a veryuseful processing algorithm for many types of curve comparisons andmakes subsequent analysis much easier. An LAS file can be exported fromDIDGER providing an API well number and the well log curve. LAS refersto Log ASCII Standard, a file format commonly used in the oil and gasexploration industry.

The desired calibrated well logs are typically normalized using a PERLscript that utilizes standard statistical techniques to determine meanand standard deviation of the data distribution. PERL is a stable, crossplatform programming language. It is used for mission critical projectsin the public and private sectors and is widely used to program webapplications of all needs. Additional information about PERL can beobtained at www.perl.org. While a PERL script is used in thisembodiment, the type of script or other software used is not a criticalfeature. Any suitable software code that performs the desired functioncan work equally as well. Normalization can typically include utilizingstandardized statistical techniques to fit a curve to the digitized datapoints and to calculate the accuracy of the curve using standarddeviations, means, and other standard statistical techniques well knownin the art. Maximum and minimum curve values can be calculated and thecurve fit in these normalizing values. The PERL script typically outputsthe data in a FINDER compatible file format for further processing.Manual normalization can be accomplished using FINDER's Log TraceJvianager utility or other similar software in a manner well known tothe industry. A special template can be created having equally spaceddivisions to facilitate visual adjustment of the well log curve.

Once the created digital log is normalized, it can be used as theprimary information for the stratigraphic framework creation process.Once the array of well logs are digitized and normalized, they can bevisually displayed to show the common depositional characteristics.Since geological deposition proceeds over vast geographic areas and overmillions of years, the correlation of related features in these welllogs can be appreciated if they are arranged side by side with theimportant depositional features aligned (See FIG. 2). Visual continuityand manipulation can include, for example, removing grid lines, forminga reverse resistivity log trace, removing depth track and superimposingmultiple logs in a single track. These manipulative techniques therebyallow well log displays to fully describe common geologicalcharacteristics from one well log to others both adjacent and remote. Itis preferred to utilize a single type of well log from each well tocreate a visually clear cross-section display that can facilitategeologic correlation. The preferred log in more recently drilled fieldsare gamma ray logs. While gamma ray logs are the preferred single-typewell logs, other logs can work equally as well.

In addition, various other forms of data may be used alone or in concertwith well log data to determine the depositional characteristics of astratum. Examples include utilizing seismic data, magnetometer data, anddata produced by other forms of sub-surface geological characterizationknown to one of skill in the art. All of these data types and othersubsurface data can be incorporated into the chronostratigraphicframework and thus age-dated. Likewise, embodiments described herein arenot limited to oil and gas exploration, but may also be useful inexplorations directed to mineral deposits, mining, water exploration,and the like.

Common sources of this existing external data are paper logs that mustbe rasterized and digitized to create images of well logs. Prior toobtaining external well logs, an inventory of existing well loginformation can be compiled and displayed on a base map of the basin orarea under examination. Having once inventoried and displayed theexisting information, a coordinated effort can be mounted to obtainmissing or sparse well log information to more clearly define the areaof interest. Gathering this information along with the top and base ofeach log run available permits early cross-sectional grid planning forthe entire area or basin and permits early cost estimates of thedigitizing process to be made at the commencement of the project. Theinventory of existing logs typically identifies the most commonlyavailable log in the basin and assists in the determination of the mostlikely log type for correlation of existing and future information. Byperforming this process before digitizing well logs, a potential costsavings can be realized by only digitizing well logs that are actuallynecessary to adequately characterize the area or basins.

Additionally, as technologies become more advanced and new types ofmeasurement logs are utilized, the database or method according to theinstant disclosure can be used in conjunction with these new types oflogs. The database or method according to the instant disclosure doesnot require any specific type of well log or other attribute, but theuse of the same type of well log or attribute for all wells canfacilitate accurate correlation.

The identified depositional characteristics are then correlated with oneor more attributes associated therewith, which include a set ofage-tagged data points. The one or more attributes may comprise an agecorrelation (T) associated with a respective data point. In anembodiment, the age-tagged data point includes a geologic time eventassociated with that depositional characteristic. In an embodiment, thegeologic time event is the geologic age of the materials, which may beexpressed in terms of millions of years, by geologic era and/or bygeologic period.

Geologic layers of Earth have been subdivided into a recognized geologictime scale. In an embodiment, all of the data points located within aparticular depositional characteristic are correlated with therecognized geologic age of that depositional characteristic. In anembodiment, all points located within a particular layer or stratum areeach correlated with the recognized geologic age of that stratum.Accordingly, all data points are defined by Cartesian coordinates X, Y,Z, and the geologic age of that material as time value T such that timebecomes the fourth dimension.

In an embodiment, the geologic time event of a depositional feature maybe determined by radiometric dating. In an embodiment, age may bedetermined based on the composition and characteristics of the rock,e.g., which exist in cores taken from a well. Examples includegeochronology and biostratigraphy, wherein the age of the material isdetermined based on fossil assemblages present in the strata. In anembodiment, the geologic age may be determined by indirect or directobservations of related outcroppings of the depositional feature, byliterature values of geologic formations, by structure maps, and/or anycombination of direct or indirect methods.

In an embodiment, a chronostratigraphic database comprises a pluralityof discrete data points, wherein each data point comprises an X, Y, Zand T value, wherein X, Y, and Z are Cartesian coordinates describing aposition and T is a geologic time event relative to said position. In anembodiment, the chronostratigraphic database comprises a plurality ofdata points wherein X and Y are a longitude and latitude, Z is a depthrelative to sea level, and T is a geologic age of the material locatedat that particular point. In an embodiment, the known geologic age ofeach data point is based at least in part on the physical properties ofthe geologic formation present at that particular point. In anembodiment, a method to determine the shape of a geologic formationcomprises plotting a plurality of points from the chronostratigraphicdatabase according to the instant disclosure which have the samegeologic age within a selected geologic volume or space.

In an embodiment, a method to produce a chronostratigraphic databasecomprises correlating each of a plurality of well bore data points withthe known geologic age of the geologic formation in which a particulardata point is located, to produce a plurality of discrete data points,each comprising an X, Y, and Z location correlated to a T data pointrepresenting a geologic time event depositing the material located atthat point. In an embodiment, X and Y represent the longitude and thelatitude, Z represents the depth relative to sea level, and T representsthe geologic age of the material located at that point.

In still another embodiment, X, Y, Z, and T are determined by

a) normalizing digitized well log data to produce a plurality ofdiscrete data points;

b) correlating the normalized digitized well log data to locationsidentified on a geographic basin map to produce X, Y, and Z;

c) marking observable depositional features for each well using astandardized scale to create a stratigraphic framework for a said data;and

d) correlating each data point within a depositional feature to knowngeologic time event T to produce the chronostratigraphic database. In anembodiment, the geologic time event is the geologic age of the materiallocated at a particular point. In an embodiment, the geologic time eventof a depositional feature is determined by direct measuring of corestaken from a well, by direct observation of the composition andcharacteristics of components which exist in cores taken from a well, bydirect determination of related outcroppings of the depositionalfeature, by literature values of geologic formations, by structure maps,or a combination thereof. The correlation of the normalized digitizedwell log data to an identified geologic feature to create astratigraphic framework for the said data may be accomplished in aplurality of different ways, including, but not limited to, seismiccorrelation, magnetics correlation, and the like.

In still another embodiment, at least one of the correlation actions,i.e., correlating the normalized digitized well log data to anidentified geologic feature to create a stratigraphic framework for asaid data and/or correlating each data point within a depositionalfeature to known geologic time event of the depositional feature T is amanual process. In another embodiment, at least one of the correlationactions, i.e., correlating the normalized digitized well log data to anidentified geologic feature to create a stratigraphic framework for asaid data and/or correlating each data point within a depositionalfeature to known geologic time event of the depositional feature T is anautomated process. In an embodiment, the normalized digital well logdata may be amplified or demodulated to show additional wellinformation. The method may further comprise digitizing well log data tocreate the digitized well log data; calibrating the digital well logdata prior to the normalization; saving the calibrated digital well logdata as an LAS file; inventorying well log data prior to the digitizing,or a combination thereof.

In an embodiment, a method to produce a chronostratigraphic databasecomprises:

a) scanning a plurality of well logs to create raster images;

b) digitizing the raster images to create digitized well log data;

c) normalizing the digitized well log data to remove outlier data orerrors in the data recording process;

d) scaling the normalized digitized well log data to emphasize themarkers across multiple well logs;

e) correlating the normalized digitized well log data to identifymarkers in each depositional stratum; and

f) correlating data points within a depositional stratum with thegeologic age of the stratum. Where the geology is complex additionalcorrelation data points of additional strata may optionally be added.

In an embodiment, the method may further comprise extracting formationtops to create visual display of formation surface and utilizingintersect surfaces of non-conformity surface with formation surface tocreate a truncation line for overlay on a visual display ofchronostratigraphic maps. In an embodiment, the method may furthercomprise extracting formation tops to create visual display of formationsurface; and utilizing intersect surfaces of non-conformity surface withformation surface to create a truncation line for overlay on a visualdisplay of stratigraphic maps.

In an embodiment, the method may further comprise identifying suspectedhydrocarbon bearing formations from maps produced using the data and/ormay further comprise drilling a well into the identified suspectedhydrocarbon bearing formation.

In an embodiment, the database is dimensioned and arranged to becompatible with various web-based mapping programs. Examples includethose described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,377,296; 6,647,394; 6,724,382;6,934,634; 7,158,878; 7,158,961; 7,209,148; 7,225,207; 7,236,881;7,239,959; 7,315,259; 7,353,114; 7,373,246; 7,483,881; 7,512,487;7,571,048; 7,576,754; 7,595,725; 7,599,790; 7,606,798; 7,616,217;7,620,496; 7,643,673; 7,716,162; 7,730,389; 7,746,343; 7,747,598;7,779,360; 7,792,883; 7,796,837; 7,801,897; 7,809,785; 7,822,751;7,831,387; 7,831,438; 7,836,085; 7,840,407; 7,865,301; 7,869,667 theirprogeny, and the like, all of which are incorporated by referenceherein.

In an embodiment, the various modeling systems, modeling methods,methods to produce a chronostratigraphic database, and/or thechronostratigraphic database according to the instant disclosure mayfurther include one or more attributes associated with one or more datapoints comprising spatial coordinates (x, y, z) and one or more agecorrelations.

In an embodiment, the depth or z spatial coordinate may be replaced bythe age correlation whether or not the spatial coordinate actuallyincludes a depth in the database such that the database serves tocorrelate a depth at a particular point with a geologic age or othertime event. Accordingly, for purposes herein, a data point referred toby (x, y, z, T) is meant to include the same data point having (x, y, T)values. Furthermore, searching may be conducted of this database withoutrequiring an age or time (T) value. The database may also be used withor without the time value in internet or web based searchingapplications which includes search applications in which advertisinginformation is provided along with requested search reports.

In an embodiment, the one or more attributes which may be associatedwith a particular data point, preferably having (x, y, z, T) or a rangeof particular data points may include production data, geochemical data,points of perforation data, terrestrial sample data, paleontologicaldata, temperature, pressure, fluid characteristic data, and the like.The one or more attributes associated with a particular data point (x,y, z, T) or a range of particular data points may also includedescriptions of suppliers of commercial activities relevant to aparticular location. Examples include information relevant to suppliersof products, services, and/or other commercial activities present at ornear a particular location and/or information relevant to suppliershaving various forms of specific information about a particular datapoint or range of particular data points which may or may not begenerally available to the public, combinations thereof, and the like.

Examples of attributes associated with a particular data point whichinclude descriptions of suppliers of commercial activities relevant to aparticular location may further include sales or other informationrelevant to suppliers of equipment suitable for use at a particularlocation, consulting and other expertise related services relevant to aparticular location, combinations thereof, and the like.

Examples of information relevant to suppliers having various forms ofspecific information about a particular data point or range ofparticular data points may include sales or other information relevantto suppliers of data having data relevant to a particular location,enterprises having access to privately held data about a particularlocation, data supply companies having information relevant to propertyownership, mineral rights, and the like at a particular location, andthe like.

In an embodiment, the one or more attributes associated with aparticular data point, preferably having (x, y, z, T) or a range ofparticular data points may include information formatted and arrangedfor use with a method or process to produce advertisements (e.g., viaweb based or internet searching) which are selected based on a relevanceor other score indicative of the advertisement information beingrelevant to one conducting a search which includes a particulargeographical or geologic location or range of geographical or geologiclocations associated with a time period as described herein.

In an embodiment, the chronostratigraphic database, modeling system,and/or modeling method, which may also include attributes associatedwith a particular data point (x, y, z, T) or a range of particular datapoints, may be formatted and arranged within a database to be suitablefor use with the data structures, databases, processes and/or methodsdisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,400,248; 5,918,014; 5,948,061; 6,094,677;6,816,857; 6,863,612; 6,915,271; 7,039,599; 7,085,682; 7,130,808;7,136,875; 7,203,684; 7,249,056; 7,260,783; 7,346,606; 7,346,615;7,349,827; 7,349,876; 7,363,302; 7,406,434; 7,428,555; 7,523,016;7,523,387; 7,533,090; 7,546,625; 7,644,315; 7,647,242; 7,647,299;7,657,514; 7,657,520; 7,657,611; 7,668,748; 7,668,832; 7,680,796;7,697,791; 7,698,266; 7,712,141; 7,716,161; 7,725,502; 7,734,503;7,752,072; 7,752,073; 7,756,741; 7,778,872; 7,788,132; 7,792,698;7,792,743; 7,801,899; 7,802,280; 7,806,329; 7,818,207; 7,818,208;7,827,060; 7,827,062; 7,831,658; 7,844,488; 7,844,493; 7,860,859;7,873,536; 7,873,621; 7,873,765, their progeny, and the like; all ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

For example, in an embodiment, the chronostratigraphic database,modeling system, and/or modeling method, which may also include one ormore attributes associated with a particular data point (x, y, z, T) ora range of particular data points may include information formatted andarranged for use with a computer-implemented method for controllingserving of an advertisement or public service message using itsrelevancy to a request, the method comprising: a) accepting, by acomputer system including at least one computer, chronostratigraphicinformation such as x, y, z, or T, or formation name, etc. associatedwith the request and converting the chronostratigraphic information toan x, y, z, T location; b) comparing, by the computer system, theaccepted x, y, z, T location associated with the request withchronostratigraphic targeting information associated with theadvertisement or public service message to generate a comparison result;c) determining, by the computer system, the relevancy of theadvertisement or public service message using at least the comparisonresult; d) controlling, by the computer system, the serving of theadvertisement or public service message, for rendering on a clientdevice, using the determined relevancy of the advertisement or publicservice message; e) determining, by the computer system, whether theadvertisement or public service message has x, y, z, T location specificinformation corresponding to the chronostratigraphic informationaccepted; and f) if it is determined that the advertisement or publicservice message has x, y, z, T location specific informationcorresponding to the chronostratigraphic information accepted, thendetermining, by the computer system, a score using at least the x, y, z,T location specific information, otherwise determining, by the computersystem, the score using at least generally relevant chronostratigraphicinformation of the advertisement or public service message, wherein theact of controlling the serving of the advertisement or public servicemessage further uses the score of the advertisement or public servicemessage, and wherein the chronostratigraphic targeting informationassociated with the advertisement or public service message correspondsto an area defined by at least one chronostratigraphic reference point.

For example, in an embodiment, the chronostratigraphic database,modeling system, and/or modeling method, which may also include one ormore attributes associated with a particular data point (x, y, z, T) ora range of particular data points may include information formatted andarranged for use with a method, implemented in at least one computingdevice, of dynamically changing the messaging in an advertisement orpublic service message served as an image in a web page utilizinginformation from a web page requested by a user, the method comprising:receiving a request from a user for a web page at a web server; loadingthe web page; declaring the web page to an advertisement or publicservice message server; retrieving an advertisement or public servicemessage based upon chronostratigraphic information such as x, y, z or Tor formation name, etc. contained within variable definitions in therequested web page; delivering the retrieved advertisement or publicservice message to the web page; dynamically modifying the retrievedadvertisement or public service message using the variable definitionsin the requested web page in order to customize the advertisement orpublic service message in real time; and serving the retrieved andcustomized advertisement or public service message on the web page tothe user.

For example, in an embodiment, the chronostratigraphic database,modeling system, and/or modeling method, which may also include one ormore attributes associated with a particular data point (x, y, z, T) ora range of particular data points may include information formatted andarranged for use with a method, implemented in at least one computingdevice, of dynamically changing the messaging in an advertisement orpublic service message served as an image in a web page utilizinginformation from a web page requested by a user, the method comprising:receiving a request from a user for a web page at a web server; loadingthe web page; declaring the web page to an advertisement or publicservice message server; retrieving an advertisement or public servicemessage based upon chronostratigraphic information such as x, y, z or Tor formation name, etc. contained within variable definitions in therequested web page; delivering the retrieved advertisement or publicservice message to the web page; dynamically modifying the retrievedadvertisement or public service message using the variable definitionsin the requested web page in order to customize the advertisement orpublic service message in real time; and serving the retrieved andcustomized advertisement or public service message on the web page tothe user.

In an embodiment, a chronostratigraphic modeling system comprises adatabase comprising a plurality of discrete subsurface data pointscomprising spatial coordinates (x, y, z) and one or more attributesassociated therewith, including a set of age-tagged data points whereinthe one or more attributes comprises an age correlation (T) associatedwith the respective data point, wherein the database is searchable byage and spatial coordinates. The chronostratigraphic modeling system mayinclude spatial coordinates of longitude (x), latitude (y) and elevation(z). The database may comprise a plurality of data points with differentlatitudes, a plurality of data points with different longitudes, and aplurality of same location (x, y) data point sets having essentially thesame latitude and longitude and different elevations.

In an embodiment, the chronostratigraphic modeling system may includedata points having the same-location sets comprised of well log data orother forms of data. In an embodiment, a plurality of data points in asame location set may be tagged with an age correlation attribute. In anembodiment, the age correlation attribute may increase in value withincreasing depth.

The chronostratigraphic modeling system may further comprise aninterpolation tool to assign an age attribute to data points within asame location set having elevations spaced between age correlationattribute-tagged data points within the set. Likewise, thechronostratigraphic modeling system may further comprise a trending toolto assign an age attribute to data points within a same location sethaving elevations spaced away from an oldest or youngest one of the agecorrelation attribute-tagged data points within the set.

In an embodiment, the chronostratigraphic modeling system may furthercomprise a search engine for selecting data points by spatialcoordinate, age correlation, formation name or a combination thereof.The chronostratigraphic modeling system may further comprise a displaytool to display the selected data points. In an embodiment, thechronostratigraphic modeling system may display a same-age irregularplane surface of data points having a selected age correlation attribute(see FIG. 3). The chronostratigraphic modeling system may be searchedaccording to the age, geologic time period name, formation name or anycombination thereof. The display may further comprise a plurality of thesame-age irregular plane surfaces of different selected ages, which maybe in the form of subsurface isochron lines.

In an embodiment, the chronostratigraphic modeling system may furthercomprise a table linked to the search engine to correlate geologic timeperiod names with geologic age, whereby the age correlation attribute issearchable by geologic time period including supereon, eon, era, period,epoch, age and/or chron, which may also be expressed in terms ofeonothem, erathem, system, series, stage, and/or chronozone. See Table1, below for a list of preferred geological time markers, names,chronological units, and system names. The database may also comprisedata points from multiple depositional basin areas. In an embodiment,age correlation of the age-tagged data points may be based on similarattributes of nearby or adjacent datapoints.

TABLE 1 Age (M Years) System Series 0-0.0117 Holocene 1 Pleistocene 2Pliocene 5.3 Miocene Upper 10.8 Middle 17 Lower 25 OligoceneChickasawhayan 33 Vicksburgian 38 Eocene Jacksonian 41 Claibornian 50Sabinian 58 Paleocene Midwayan 67 Cretacious Nevarroan 72 Tayloran 79Austinian 90 Eaglefordian 94 Woodbinian 96 Fredricksburgian 106Trinitian 111 Nuevoleonian 125 Durangoan 140 Jurassic Lacastian 145Zuloagan 160 Middle 180 Lower 200 Triassic Upper 235 Middle 245 Lower250 Permian Ochoan-Guadalupian 270 Leonardian 275 Wolfcampian 290Pennsylvanian Virgilian 291 Missourian 292 Desmoinesian 293 Atokan 294Morrowan 330 Mississippian Chesterian 340 Meramecian 354 Osagean 360Kinderhookian 365 Devonian, Upper Conewangoan 370 Cassadagan 380Chemungian 383 Fingerlakesian 385 Devonian, Middle Erian 390 Devonian,Lower Esopusian 395 Deerparkian 400 Helderbergian 405 Silurian Cayugan408 Canastotan 414 Lockportian 415 Cliftonian 420 Clintonian 423Alexandrian 425 Ordivician Richmondian 435 Maysvillian 448 Edenian 455Trentonian 456 Blackriverian 460 Chazyan 470 Whiterockian 485 Canadian500 Cambrian Trempealeauan 504 Franconian 510 Dresbachian 520 MiddleCambrian

In an embodiment, a chronostratigraphic modeling method comprisessearching a searchable database as described herein, and displaying theselected data points in an isochron selected from points, lines,surfaces, volumes and combinations thereof. The chronostratigraphicmodeling method may include the use of spatial coordinates comprisinglongitude (x), latitude (y) and elevation (z), wherein the databasecomprises a plurality of data points with different latitudes, aplurality of data points with different longitudes, and a plurality ofsame location (x,y) data point sets having essentially the same latitudeand longitude and different elevations, comprising tagging a pluralityof data points in a same location set with an age correlation attribute.In an embodiment, the age correlation attribute may increase in valuewith increasing depth.

In an embodiment, the chronostratigraphic modeling method may furthercomprise interpolating to assign an age attribute to data points withina same location set having elevations spaced between age correlationattribute-tagged data points within the set. Likewise, the method maycomprise extrapolating to assign an age attribute to data points withina same location set having elevations spaced away from an oldest oryoungest one of the age correlation attribute-tagged data points withinthe set.

Although the description above contains many specifics, these should notbe construed as limiting the scope of the instant disclosure but asmerely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferredembodiments coming within the spirit and scope of the instant disclosurethat is limited only by the accompanying claims. It is especiallyimportant to note that the software packages and file types describedand used herein are not required software packages or file types. Anysuitable software package or file type that performs a similar functionis suitable for using the database or method according to the instantdisclosure.

EXAMPLES

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the chronostratigraphic databasemay by created by a process 100 comprising providing a plurality ofdigital well logs 102. These digital well logs may be provided accordingto the process disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,054,753 or the like. In anembodiment, the digital well logs may be produced by digitizing welllogs and normalizing the data.

Next, in a chronostratigraphic correlation action 104, depositionalfeatures present in the well logs are identified and similar physicalproperties of the normalized well logs may be grouped together orotherwise correlated to produce chronostratigraphic correlations betweenthe data. In the chronostratigraphic framework action 106, multiplechronostratigraphic correlations are made from surface to total depth ofeach well to produce the chronostratigraphic framework. In the geologictime correlation action 110, geologic time scale divisions are assignedto each of the geologic subdivisions identified by the well log data. Inthis action, the Cartesian data in each of the identified depositionalfeatures are correlated to the geologic age of that feature to produce adated chronostratigraphic framework. The geologic age determination 108may be made according to literature values, core data, third partyobservations, outcrops, structure maps, geochronology, biostratigraphy,or any combination of such methods known to one of skill in the art.These data comprising the Cartesian coordinates correlated to thegeologic time are then arranged in a database for subsequent retrieval,analysis and manipulation. In the structural grid action 112, the datedchronostratigraphic framework may then be used to produce a structuralgrid for one or more of the geologic subdivisions present. In anembodiment, these data may be grouped and analyzed to produce arepresentation of the shape of the surface determined according to acommon age of the depositional feature or features. In a searchingaction 114, searching of the data may include searching based at leastby one attribute, which may be geologic age. Searching may also includeinternet or web-based searching of the data. In an advertising action116, the message in an advertisement served as an image in a web pageutilizing information from a search request made by a user searching thedata as described herein may be dynamically changed. In an alternativeadvertising action 118, an advertisement may be displayed along with asearch report of a search request of the data using acomputer-implemented method for controlling serving of an advertisementusing its relevancy to the search request.

FIG. 2 shows side by side arrangement of normalized well logs (200)wherein the depositional features are aligned using onechronostratigraphic correlation as a datum or surface used as areference. This arrangement allows for a more complete description andcharacterization of a particular geologic area. As is shown in FIG. 2,the data may be aligned relative to the geologic age and the like. InFIG. 2, the chronostratigraphic correlation representing the Devoniansystem is indicated by line 202. The datum for this cross section is thechronostratigraphic correlation representing the Silurian system 204. Aline indicating the chronostratigraphic correlation representing theOrdovician system is shown as 206. The description is enhanced whenprepared according to the instant disclosure, wherein the geologic ageof the depositional features is correlated to produce a contoured map ofthe depositional feature's surface over a particular area. The abilityto correlate the depositional feature by geologic age further allows fordetermining the surface of a depositional feature over a relativelylarge geographical space, which is made possible using the datedchronostratigraphic database according to the instant disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 3, in an embodiment, a contour map of a surface of aparticular layer of strata may be determined within a four dimensionalspace 300 according to the present disclosure. Well logs from the wellspresent therein e.g., 302, 304, and 306, may be digitized and thegeologic subdivisions i.e., Cretaceous 67MY (316), Jurassic 140 MY(318), Triassic 200 MY (320), and Permian 250 MY (322), determinedtherefrom and correlated using a plurality of correlation points 308 toproduce a chronostratigraphic framework. In addition, data gathered froma plurality of core samples 310, outcrops 312, well logs, seismicreadings and the like may be incorporated into the chronostratigraphicframework. An appropriate geologic age may then be determined andassociated with each of the data points contained within or between aparticular geologic subdivision to produce and enhance the age-datedchronostratigraphic framework and database. The data points betweencorrelation points may be interpolated based on assumptions common inthe art. The chronostratigraphic framework data may then be stored in achronostratigraphic database for subsequent retrieval, analysis andmanipulation. A contour map 314 describing the surface of a particulargeologic subdivision (Triassic subdivision 320 shown) may then beproduced utilizing the data in the chronostratigraphic database, asshown in FIG. 3. Each point along the surface may be described by theCartesian coordinates X, Y, and Z, and further described by the geologicage T, in this case, 200 million years or by the accepted era or periodname.

Embodiment Listing

Accordingly, the instant disclosure provides the following embodimentsaccording to the disclosure:

-   -   A. A chronostratigraphic modeling system comprising a database        comprising a plurality of discrete subsurface data points and        optionally including surface data points, comprising spatial        coordinates (x, y, z) and one or more attributes associated        therewith, including a set of age-tagged data points wherein the        one or more attributes comprises an age correlation (T)        associated with the respective data point, wherein the database        is searchable by age and spatial coordinates.    -   B. The chronostratigraphic modeling system according to        Embodiment A, wherein the spatial coordinates comprise longitude        (x), latitude (y) and elevation (z), wherein the database        comprises a plurality of data points with different latitudes, a        plurality of data points with different longitudes, and a        plurality of same location (x, y) data point sets having        essentially the same latitude and longitude and different        elevations.    -   C. The chronostratigraphic modeling system according to        Embodiment A or B, wherein the same-location data point sets        comprise well log data.    -   D. The chronostratigraphic modeling system according to        Embodiment A, B, or C, wherein a plurality of data points in a        same location set are tagged with an age correlation attribute,        wherein the age correlation attribute increases in value with        increasing depth.    -   E. The chronostratigraphic modeling system according to        Embodiment A, B, C, or D, further comprising an interpolation        tool to assign an age attribute to data points within a same        location set having elevations spaced between age correlation        attribute-tagged data points within the set.    -   F. The chronostratigraphic modeling system according to        Embodiment A, B, C, D, or E, further comprising a trending tool        to assign an age attribute to data points within a same location        set having elevations spaced away from an oldest or youngest one        of the age correlation attribute-tagged data points within the        set.    -   G. The chronostratigraphic modeling system according to        Embodiment A, B, C, D, E, or F, further comprising a search        engine for selecting data points by spatial coordinate, age        correlation or a combination thereof.    -   H. The chronostratigraphic modeling system according to        Embodiment A, B, C, D, E, F, or G, further comprising a display        tool to display the selected data points.    -   I. The chronostratigraphic modeling system according to        Embodiment A, B, C, D, E, F, G, or H, wherein the display        comprises a same-age irregular plane surface of data points        having a selected age correlation attribute.    -   J. The chronostratigraphic modeling system according to        Embodiment A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, or I, wherein the same age        surface in the display is labeled with the age, geologic time        period name, formation name, or a combination thereof.    -   K. The chronostratigraphic modeling system according to        Embodiment A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, or J, wherein the display        comprises a plurality of the same-age irregular plane surfaces        of different selected ages.    -   L. The chronostratigraphic modeling system according to        Embodiment A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, or K, wherein the        display comprises a plurality of subsurface isochron lines.    -   M. The chronostratigraphic modeling system according to        Embodiment A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, or L, further        comprising a table linked to the search engine to correlate        geologic time period names with geologic age, whereby the age        correlation attribute is searchable by geologic time period        name, formation name, or a combination thereof.    -   N. The chronostratigraphic modeling system according to        Embodiment A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, or M, wherein the        database comprises data points from multidepositional basin        areas.    -   O. The chronostratigraphic modeling system according to        Embodiment A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M or N, wherein        the age correlation of the age-tagged data points is based on        similar attributes of nearby or adjacent data points.    -   P. The chronostratigraphic modeling system according to        Embodiment A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, or O,        wherein the database includes data formatted and arranged for        use with a computer-implemented method for controlling serving        of an advertisement or public service message using its        relevancy to a request.    -   Q. The chronostratigraphic modeling system according to        Embodiment A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, or P,        wherein the computer-implemented method for controlling serving        of an advertisement or public service message using its        relevancy to a request comprises:        -   accepting, by a computer system including at least one            computer, chronostratigraphic information including x, y, z,            T, the formation name, or a combination thereof associated            with the request and converting the chronostratigraphic            information to an x, y, z, T location;        -   comparing, by the computer system, the accepted            chronostratigraphic information associated with the request            with chronostratigraphic targeting information associated            with the advertisement or public service message to generate            a comparison result;        -   determining, by the computer system, the relevancy of the            advertisement or public service message using at least the            comparison result;        -   controlling, by the computer system, the serving of the            advertisement or public service message, for rendering on a            client device, using the determined relevancy of the            advertisement or public service message;        -   determining, by the computer system, whether the            advertisement or public service message has            chronostratigraphic specific information corresponding to            the chronostratigraphic information accepted; and        -   if it is determined that the advertisement or public service            message has chronostratigraphic specific information            corresponding to the chronostratigraphic information            accepted, then determining, by the computer system, a score            using at least the chronostratigraphic specific information,            otherwise determining, by the computer system, the score            using at least generally relevant chronostratigraphic            information of the advertisement or public service message,            wherein the act of controlling the serving of the            advertisement or public service message further uses the            score of the advertisement or public service message, and            wherein the chronostratigraphic targeting information            associated with the advertisement or public service message            corresponds to an area defined by at least one            chronostratigraphic reference point.    -   R. The chronostratigraphic modeling system according to        Embodiment A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, or Q,        wherein the database includes data formatted and arranged for        use with a computer-implemented method, implemented in at least        one computing device, of dynamically changing the messaging in        an advertisement or public service message served as an image in        a web page utilizing information from a search request made by a        user.    -   S. The chronostratigraphic modeling system according to        Embodiment A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, or        R, wherein the computer-implemented method comprises receiving a        request from a user for a web page at a web server;        -   loading the web page; declaring the web page to an            advertisement or public service message server;        -   retrieving an advertisement or public service message based            upon chronostratigraphic information contained within            variable definitions in the requested web page;        -   delivering the retrieved advertisement or public service            message to the web page;        -   dynamically modifying the retrieved advertisement or public            service message using the variable definitions in the            requested web page in order to customize the advertisement            or public service message in real time, the variable            definitions used to dynamically modify the retrieved            advertisement or public service message comprising the            chronostratigraphic information and second information; and        -   serving the retrieved and customized advertisement or public            service message on the web page to the user.    -   T. The chronostratigraphic modeling system according to        Embodiment A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R,        or S, wherein the database includes one or more attributes        associated with at least one data point or a range of data        points which includes production data, geochemical data, points        of perforation data, terrestrial sample data, paleontological        data, temperature data, pressure data, fluid characteristic        data, descriptions of suppliers of commercial activities        relevant to the location described by the at least one data        point or the range of data points, or a combination thereof.    -   U. A chronostratigraphic modeling method, comprising searching a        searchable database comprising a plurality of discrete        subsurface data points comprising spatial coordinates (x, y, z)        and one or more attributes associated therewith, including a set        of age-tagged data points wherein the one or more attributes        comprises an age correlation (T) associated with the respective        data point, and displaying the selected data points in an        isochron selected from points, lines, grids, surfaces, volumes        and combinations thereof.    -   V. The chronostratigraphic modeling method according to        Embodiment U, wherein the spatial coordinates comprise longitude        (x), latitude (y) and elevation (z), wherein the database        comprises a plurality of data points with different latitudes, a        plurality of data points with different longitudes, and a        plurality of same location (x,y) data point sets having        essentially the same latitude and longitude and different        elevations, comprising tagging a plurality of data points in a        same location set are tagged with an age correlation attribute,        wherein the age correlation attribute increases in value with        increasing depth.    -   W. The chronostratigraphic modeling method according to        Embodiment U or V, further comprising interpolating to assign an        age attribute to data points within a same location set having        elevations spaced between age correlation attribute-tagged data        points within the set.    -   X. The chronostratigraphic modeling method according to        Embodiment U, V, or W, further comprising extrapolating to        assign an age attribute to data points within a same location        set having elevations spaced away from an oldest or youngest one        of the age correlation attribute-tagged data points within the        set.    -   Y. The chronostratigraphic modeling method according to        Embodiment U, V, W, or X, wherein the display comprises a        same-age irregular plane surface of data points having a        selected age correlation attribute.    -   Z. The chronostratigraphic modeling method according to        Embodiment U, V, W, X, or Y, further comprising labeling the        isochron with the age, geologic time period name, formation        name, or a combination thereof.    -   A1. The chronostratigraphic modeling method according to        Embodiment U, V, W, X, Y, or Z, comprising specifying a geologic        time period name or formation name as a search query, and        converting the geologic time period name or formation name into        a corresponding specified age, and searching the database by the        specified age.    -   B1. The chronostratigraphic modeling method according to        Embodiment U, V, W, X, Y, Z, or A1, wherein the spatial        coordinates and age tags are determined by        -   normalizing digitized well log data to produce a plurality            of discrete data points;        -   marking observable depositional features for each digitized            well log using a standardized scale to produce an X, Y, and            Z framework;        -   correlating the normalized digitized well log data to an            identified geologic formation to create a stratigraphic            framework for said data; and        -   correlating at least one data point within a depositional            feature to known geologic time event of the depositional            feature T to produce the chronostratigraphic database.    -   C1. The chronostratigraphic modeling method according to        Embodiment U, V, W, X, Y, Z, A1, or B1, comprising determining        the age tag for a depositional feature by direct measuring of        cores taken from a well, by direct observation of the        composition and characteristics of components which exist in        cores taken from a well, by indirect and/or direct determination        of related outcroppings of the depositional feature, by        literature values of geologic formations, by structure maps, or        a combination thereof    -   D1. The chronostratigraphic modeling method according to        Embodiment U, V, W, X, Y, Z, A1, B1, or C1, wherein the age tag        determination is manual.    -   E1. The chronostratigraphic modeling method according to        Embodiment U, V, W, X, Y, Z, A1, B1, C1, or D1, wherein the age        tag determination is automatic.    -   F1. The chronostratigraphic modeling method according to        Embodiment U, V, W, X, Y, Z, A1, B1, C1, D1, or E1, comprising        amplifying or demodulating the normalized digital well log data        to show additional well information.    -   G1. The chronostratigraphic modeling method according to        Embodiment U, V, W, X, Y, Z, A1, B1, C1, D1, E1, or F1, further        comprising digitizing well log data to create the digitized well        log data.    -   H1. The chronostratigraphic modeling method according to        Embodiment U, V, W, X, Y, Z, A1, B1, C1, D1, E1, F1, or G1,        further comprising calibrating the digital well log data prior        to the normalization.    -   I1. The chronostratigraphic modeling method according to        Embodiment U, V, W, X, Y, Z, A1, B1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, or H1,        further comprising saving the calibrated digital well log data        as an LAS file.    -   J1. The chronostratigraphic modeling method according to        Embodiment U, V, W, X, Y, Z, A1, B1, C1, D1, E1, F1, G1, H1, or        I51, further comprising inventorying well log data prior to the        digitizing.    -   K1. A method to produce a chronostratigraphic database        comprising:        -   scanning a plurality of well logs to create raster images;        -   digitizing the raster images to create digitized well log            data; normalizing the digitized well log data to remove            outlier data or errors in the data recording process;        -   scaling the normalized digitized well log data to emphasize            the markers across multiple well logs;        -   correlating the normalized digitized well log data to            identify markers in each depositional stratum; and        -   tagging the markers within a depositional stratum with the            geologic age of the stratum.    -   L1. A method to produce a chronostratigraphic database according        to Embodiment K1, further comprising extracting formation tops        to create visual display of formation surface; and utilizing        intersect surfaces of non-conformity surface with formation        surface to create a truncation line for overlay on a visual        display of chronostratigraphic maps.    -   M1. A method to produce a chronostratigraphic database according        to Embodiment K1 or L1, further comprising calibrating the        digital well log data to a common scale prior to the        normalization.    -   N1. A method to produce a chronostratigraphic database according        to Embodiment K1, L1, or M1, further comprising selecting the        well logs for the scanning based on areas of interest in a basin        or a plurality of basins.    -   O1. A method to produce a chronostratigraphic database according        to Embodiment K1, L1, M1, or N1, wherein the normalized digital        well log data are amplified or demodulated to show additional        well information.    -   P1. A method to produce a chronostratigraphic database according        to Embodiment K1, L1, M1, N1, or O1, wherein at least one of the        correlations is manual.    -   Q1. A method to produce a chronostratigraphic database according        to Embodiment K1, L1, M1, N1, O1, or P1, wherein at least one of        the correlations is automated.    -   R1. A method to produce a chronostratigraphic database according        to Embodiment K1, L1, M1, N1, O1, P1, or Q1, wherein the digital        well log data and normalized digital well log data are stored in        a database.    -   S1. A method to produce a chronostratigraphic database according        to Embodiment K1, L1, M1, N1, O1, P1, Q1, or R1, further        comprising identifying suspected hydrocarbon bearing formations        from maps produced using the data.    -   T1. A method to produce a chronostratigraphic database according        to Embodiment K1, L1, M1, N1, O1, P1, Q1, R1 or S1, further        comprising drilling a well into the identified suspected        hydrocarbon bearing formation.

The foregoing disclosure and description is illustrative and explanatorythereof and it can be readily appreciated by those skilled in the artthat various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in thedetails of the illustrated construction or combinations of the elementsdescribed herein can be made without departing from the spirit of theinstant disclosure.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly some embodiments have been shown and described and that all changesand modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions aredesired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use ofwords such as preferable, preferably, preferred, more preferred orexemplary utilized in the description above indicate that the feature sodescribed may be more desirable or characteristic, nonetheless may notbe necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated aswithin the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claimsthat follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words suchas “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used thereis no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specificallystated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least aportion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portionand/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary. Theforegoing disclosure and description is illustrative and explanatorythereof and it can be readily appreciated by those skilled in the artthat various changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in thedetails of the illustrated construction or combinations of the elementsdescribed herein can be made without departing from the spirit of thedisclosure.

Although only a few example embodiments have been described in detailabove, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that manymodifications are possible in the example embodiments without materiallydeparting from this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications areintended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as definedin the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses areintended to cover the structures described herein as performing therecited function and not only structural equivalents, but alsoequivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not bestructural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface tosecure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface,in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may beequivalent structures. It is the express intention of the applicant notto invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6 for any limitations of any of theclaims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses thewords ‘means for’ together with an associated function.

What is claimed is:
 1. A chronostratigraphic modeling system comprisinga database comprising a plurality of surface data points, eachcomprising well-log data, wherein each of the surface data points areassociated with a plurality of discrete subsurface data pointsrepresentative of the depth of a corresponding data point from thesurface and optionally one or more additional attributes associatedtherewith, each depth data point including an age correlation attributetag (T) representing a numerical geologic age of the stratum at a depthidentified by the particular data point, the numerical geological agecorrelation being based on a plurality of data points obtained from aplurality of individual well logs across a portion of a basin, one ormore basins, or a combination thereof, wherein the database is computersearchable upon a user request by the numerical geologic age attributein combination with one or more spatial coordinates, and optionally incombination with one or more of said additional attributes.
 2. Thechronostratigraphic modeling system of claim 1, further comprising aninterpolation tool to correlate and assign the age attribute tag to datapoints within a same location set having elevations spaced between thenumerical geologic age correlation attribute-tagged data points withinthe location set.
 3. The chronostratigraphic modeling system of claim 1,further comprising a search engine for selecting data points by spatialcoordinates and numerical geologic age correlation comprising a tablelinked to the search engine to correlate geologic time period names,formation names, or a combination thereof with a numerical geologic ageover an entire basin or a plurality of basins, wherein the numericalgeologic age correlation attribute is searchable by geologic time periodname, formation name, or a combination thereof.
 4. Thechronostratigraphic modeling system of claim 1, wherein the databaseincludes data formatted and arranged for use with a computer-implementedmethod for controlling serving of an advertisement to the user of thechronostratigraphic modeling system, offering available data having x,y, z, and T location specific information which correspond to the userrequest, wherein the available data offered in the advertisement areselected using its relevancy to the request made by the user, andwherein the data offered in the advertisement have a particular geologiclocation or range of geographical or geologic locations associated witha numerical geological age.
 5. The chronostratigraphic modeling systemof claim 1, wherein the database includes one or more of said additionalattributes associated with at least one data point or a range of datapoints, and wherein one or more of said additional attributes includesproduction data, geochemical data, points of perforation data,terrestrial sample data, paleontological data, temperature data,pressure data, fluid characteristic data, descriptions of suppliers ofcommercial activities relevant to the location described by the at leastone data point or the range of data points, or a combination thereof. 6.The chronostratigraphic modeling system of claim 1, wherein the agecorrelation attribute is further based on data obtained by directmeasuring of cores taken from a well, by direct observation ofcomposition and characteristics of components which exist in cores takenfrom a well, by direct determination of related outcroppings of adepositional feature, by literature values of geologic formations, bystructure maps, or a combination thereof.
 7. A chronostratigraphicmodeling method, comprising: receiving a request from a user andsearching a computer searchable database by a numerical geologic ageattribute in combination with spatial coordinates, and optionally incombination with one or more additional attributes, and displaying theselected data points in an isochron selected from points, lines, grids,surfaces, volumes, or a combination thereof, the computer searchabledatabase comprising a plurality of surface data points each comprisingwell-log data, wherein each of the surface data points are associatedwith a plurality of discrete subsurface data points representative ofthe depth of a corresponding data point from the surface and optionallyone or more additional attributes associated therewith, each depth datapoint including an age correlation attribute tag (T) representing anumerical geologic age of the strata at a depth identified by theparticular data point, the numerical geological age correlation beingbased on a plurality of data points obtained from a plurality ofindividual well logs across a portion of a basin, one or more basins, ora combination thereof.
 8. The chronostratigraphic modeling method ofclaim 7, further comprising interpolating to assign the age correlationattribute tag to a data point within a same location set havingelevations spaced between two age correlation attribute-tagged datapoints within the location set.
 9. The chronostratigraphic modelingmethod of claim 7, wherein the display of data points comprises asame-numerical geologic age irregular plane surface comprising aplurality of data points having a selected age correlation attribute.10. The chronostratigraphic modeling method of claim 7, comprisingspecifying a geologic time period name, formation name, or a combinationthereof in a search query, and converting the geologic time period name,formation name, or a combination thereof into a corresponding numericalgeologic age, and searching the database by the numerical geologic age.11. The chronostratigraphic modeling method of claim 7, wherein thespatial coordinates and the age correlation attribute tags aredetermined by: a) normalizing digitized well log data to produce aplurality of discrete data points; b) correlating the normalizeddigitized well log data to an identified geologic formation to producean x, y, and z data point for each of a plurality of marked depositionalfeatures, wherein one of x and y represents latitude and the other of xand y represents longitude and z is representative of the depth of thedata point below the surface, to create a stratigraphic framework forsaid data points; and c) correlating at least one depth data point ofthe marked depositional features to a known geologic time event and d)correlating each depth data point with an age correlation attribute tag(T) representing a numerical geologic age of the stratum at a depthidentified by the particular data point based on a plurality of datapoints obtained from a plurality of individual well logs across aportion of a basin, one or more basins, or a combination thereof. 12.The chronostratigraphic modeling method of claim 7, further comprisingdigitizing analog well log data to create the digitized well log data.13. The chronostratigraphic modeling method of claim 7, wherein the agecorrelation attribute is further based on data obtained by directmeasuring of cores taken from a well, by direct observation ofcomposition and characteristics of components which exist in cores takenfrom a well, by direct determination of related outcroppings of adepositional feature, by literature values of geologic formations, bystructure maps, or a combination thereof.
 14. A method to produce achronostratigraphic database comprising: a) scanning a plurality of welllogs to create raster images; b) digitizing the raster images to createdigitized well log data; c) normalizing the digitized well log data toremove outlier data or errors in the data recording process; d) scalingthe normalized digitized well log data according to markers acrossmultiple digitized well logs; e) correlating the normalized digitizedwell log data to identify numeric geologic age markers in eachdepositional stratum; f) tagging each data point with an age correlationattribute (T) representing a numerical geologic age of a particularstratum at a depth identified by the particular data point, thenumerical geological age correlation being based on a plurality of datapoints obtained from a plurality of individual well logs across aportion of a basin, one or more basins, or a combination thereof; and g)storing the digital data in a computer searchable database format toform the chronostratigraphic database.
 15. The method of claim 14,further comprising extracting formation tops to create visual display offormation surface; and utilizing intersect surfaces of non-conformitysurface with formation surface to create a truncation line for overlayon a visual display of chronostratigraphic maps.
 16. The method of claim14, further comprising calibrating the digital well log data to a commonscale prior to the normalization.
 17. The method of claim 14, whereinthe normalized digital well log data are amplified or demodulated toshow additional well information.
 18. The method of claim 14, whereinthe digital well log data and normalized digital well log data arestored in the computer searchable database.
 19. The method of claim 14further comprising identifying suspected hydrocarbon bearing formationsfrom maps produced using the chronostratigraphic database, andoptionally drilling a well into the identified suspected hydrocarbonbearing formation.
 20. The method of claim 14, wherein the agecorrelation attribute is further based on data obtained by directmeasuring of cores taken from a well, by direct observation ofcomposition and characteristics of components which exist in cores takenfrom a well, by direct determination of related outcroppings of adepositional feature, by literature values of geologic formations, bystructure maps, or a combination thereof.